Member Avatar for Tdot

Hi folks,
I've recently started taking unix lessons to gain beginner level unix knowledge.

Could you suggest me an linux distributions available out there that is close to UNIX in terms of commands, etc.. since I'd like to practise the UNIX lessons at home?

I'm running windows on my PC and am also wondering if there is a bootable version of Linux that runs off of a CD/DVD and at the same time meet my prequiste above.

I'd appreciate your response..
thank you.

Tdot

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Short answer: for the "closest to UNIX" feel pick a BSD (FreeBSD / OpenBSD / NetBSD) or an Illumos-based distro (OpenIndiana) rather than a typical Linux desktop. Linux is UNIX‑like but uses a different kernel and is not the trademarked UNIX family; POSIX is the standard that actually stabilizes shell behavior and utilities, so a POSIX‑compliant system will serve for practicing commands and scripts. (unix.org)

Building on earlier replies: as pointed out, the BSDs are direct descendants of the Berkeley Software Distribution and keep the traditional BSD userland and tooling (FreeBSD for general use, OpenBSD for security focus, NetBSD for portability). ’s POSIX comment is useful — learning on any POSIX‑oriented OS transfers well across families. (en.wikipedia.org)

Practical options for a Windows host: use a live USB image (modern replacement for CD/DVD) or run the OS in a VM. Popular Linux live images let a machine "try" the OS without installing; VirtualBox is a simple way to run FreeBSD/OpenIndiana/Debian on Windows without repartitioning. OpenIndiana provides a modern Solaris/Illumos experience if the Solaris lineage is desired. These approaches are low‑risk and reversible. (documentation.ubuntu.com)

Quick workflow (tested, minimal steps): download an ISO, write it to USB with Etcher/Rufus or create a VM in VirtualBox, boot the image and use the shell (check uname -a, man intro, and POSIX utilities like ls, grep, awk, sed). If certification or enterprise "UNIX" branding matters, consult The Open Group / Single UNIX Specification for certified products. This complements ’s Solaris suggestion by pointing to community Illumos builds for a similar environment. (opengroup.org)

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Member Avatar for pty

hi, why not try freebsd, openbsd or netbsd? They are derived from BSD (the University of California's version of UNIX.

Member Avatar for jim mcnamara

There isn't "a" version of UNIX. pty is suggesting the BSD version of UNIX manifested as Linux. Good choice.

There are other families of UNIX out there. POSIX was created to try to make "one" UNIX specifications so it was easier to work and port across platforms.

Member Avatar for blud

As the previous technicians stated, there are many options. I would recommend trying FreeBSD (or the live CD equivilant Freesbie), or Solaris (intel version is now free iirc) if you are looking to have a 'UNIX' familiarity.

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